Our intention is for children to explore and experience nature hands-on to enjoy as a powerful aid to their learning. When children are given the opportunity to engage with the natural world they begin to investigate and make fascinating discoveries.
Wiggly wonders! Discovering worms and the magic of nature
Learning where food comes from through hands-on gardening
Exploring the natural world through curiosity and play
Exploring creativity through nature-inspired art
Gathering leaves and twigs as part of our garden adventures
Adventures through the secret garden
Learning Through Nature
Nature provides a rich foundation for children’s learning. At the EYEC, children are encouraged to explore, observe and ask questions as they engage with plants, insects and animals. Our special outdoor environment and secret garden is where children experience the wonders of the natural world, nurturing curiosity, awe and a deep appreciation for what surrounds them.
We use natural, open-ended materials and multi-purpose resources both indoors and outdoors. Children learn about sustainability through hands-on experiences such as growing, preparing and sharing food, recycling and composting. These daily practices help children understand how their actions connect to the wider world.
Outdoor play is a vital part of our day, giving children the time and space to move, explore and engage with nature. Being outside supports physical development, emotional wellbeing and creativity, while strengthening children’s connection to the environment.
Inspired by Froebel
Early childhood pioneer Friedrich Froebel believed children learn best through play and direct experience. He placed great importance on outdoor learning, light and space, recognising that children develop understanding by actively exploring their surroundings. Through nature-based play, children think, feel, imagine and create, making meaningful connections between the natural world, food, health and wellbeing
Elements
Outdoor learning gives children rich opportunities to explore the natural environment through play. Through positive outdoor experiences, children learn to manage risk, solve problems and build confidence, for example when climbing, balancing or navigating obstacles. Outdoor play also supports physical development and helps children build social skills as they cooperate and play alongside others.
Time spent outdoors encourages imagination and curiosity, with children asking questions and exploring through activities such as nature walks, planting, climbing, running, observing insects and taking part in obstacle courses. Educators support this by sharing children’s sense of awe and wonder, modelling curiosity and responding to open-ended play experiences.
Outdoor play takes place in all weather. With appropriate clothing provided, children are able to enjoy time outside comfortably and safely throughout the year.
Gardening helps children develop a deeper understanding of food, nature and how living things grow. Inspired by Froebel’s approach, children are encouraged to take an active role in planting, caring for and harvesting plants, helping them see the direct impact of their actions and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment.
At the EYEC, children garden both indoors and outdoors. They grow herbs and plants in pots, experiment with what plants need to thrive, and enjoy hands-on experiences on our balcony garden, The Oasis. From planting seeds and watering them, to watching plants grow, noticing bees pollinating, and harvesting produce such as tomatoes to use in meals, children experience the full growing cycle.
Through gardening, children learn to care for nature, understand sustainability and appreciate the interconnectedness of the natural world. These values are reinforced through recycling and upcycling across the setting, supported by adults who model positive attitudes towards caring for our planet.
Through hands-on exploration of nature, children experience the wonder of life cycles and seasonal change. They may observe a butterfly’s life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly, learning how to care for living things before releasing them back into the world.
Children also explore the changing seasons first-hand, using natural materials such as autumn leaves or melting winter snow to deepen their understanding of the world around them. Our outdoor environment encourages curiosity and discovery, with trees and bushes to climb and hide, soil and sticks to dig, and natural habitats where children can safely explore wildlife.
Simple experiences, like feeling grass, soil or mud beneath bare feet, help children build a meaningful connection with nature. These rich, sensory experiences support curiosity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.